Many of you know that there are plans to connect Denver's existing light rail system (currently ending at 30th and Downing near Cole) to the proposed "40th-4oth Station", which will provide a much needed link between these light rail systems and Denver International Airport (currently located in Nebraska, from what I remember, LOL).
What many likely don't know is the debate on what this "link" will look like. Light rail, enhanced bus service, and even streetcars are all being proposed.
There was a meeting on this project on August 15th that my wife attended. I'm looking at some of the handouts they provided at the meeting right now. I'd love to tell you that there are copies at the website they refer to (http://eastcorridor.com) but if they're there, I can't find them.
From what I can tell, the likely solutions are either light rail, or streetcars. And, the major considerations are as such:
1. Cost. According to RTD, the light rail solution will cost between $75 and $80 million. The streetcar solution, they say, will be significantly less expensive, at $50-55 million.
2. Why the difference in cost? Because of consideration #2 I'm guessing: To do light rail, it will require RTD to aquire a significant amount of real estate to put the light rail on. They put the number at "27 buildings and portions of 15 properties on the west side of Downing Street".
3. Traffic disruption. RTD interestingly doesn't mention this, but I can't see how putting a streetcar in the middle of Broadway, Lincoln, and Downing, in the middle of rush hour isn't going to cause gridlock. These streets are already nightmares, without a streetcar taking up the space a Denver yuppie could park two SUV's in.
4. Handicap accessibility. According to RTD light rail requires ramps for people with disabilities for access. The streetcars, however, they say have lower floors and are more accessible. I'm a little fuzzy on this point, as I don't see why they couldn't just build ramps at every stop (like they do now for light rail).
5. Ease of travel to DIA. If they extend light rail through the neighborhood, one could board one train, and ride it all the way to DIA. Streetcars would require one to transfer from the light rail to the streetcar at 20th and Welton, and then, the best I can tell, transfer again at the 40th-40th station, back to light rail to get to DIA. If I have these points incorrect, someone please correct me.
Here's my take on the situation. First, I've walked up and down Downing a lot, and frankly, I don't see many historic gems that we'll risk losing if RTD has to aquire some land for the light rail. I'm sure I'd feel differently if I was a homeowner of an affected property, but I'm not, and I'd actually welcome the removal of many of the neglected structures on the west side of Downing.
Second, Denver's traffic is already bad enough, so unless I see data suggesting a streetcar won't disrupt traffic anymore than a light railcar running on the side of the road (while you're at it, can you get me a document showing how water will flow uphill?), I'm leaning again towards light rail.
Third, having uninterrupted light rail from far south of Denver, through Union Station, through our neighborhood, and out to DIA sounds as convenient as it gets. I'd just as soon have as few transfers as possible, and, I'm guessing, most travelers who might consider using the line would too.
So, I'm leaning towards the light rail, overwhelmingly so. What are your thoughts as Cole residents? And, what should you do if you'd like more information, or would like to be heard on this topic? Well, you can call RTD at 303-299-2401. Or, you can go to their awful website for updates, and, hopefully, upcoming meetings, at http://eastcorridor.com. The flyer I see here also mentions "joining Transit Working Group" and "subscribing to newsletters", but interestingly offers no instructions on how to do so, so I guess I'd start by giving them a call.
The good news is that whether it's light rail, or street car, its completion would be a huge step forward for Denver in providing a viable alternative to the automobile for people's travels to Nebraska... er... I mean, DIA. And, more directly for Cole residents, add a very, very tangible benefit to living in our neighborhood, likely significantly increasing our property values.
Thanks for reading.
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